How to Approach the Toughest Blackjack Hands
Blackjack is a game of cards where the odds and probability are in your favor. The game requires careful attention to the rules, card counting and a strategy. However, even if you are a good player there are certain hands that will make you freeze and not know what to do. This article will take you through some of the toughest blackjack hands and show you how to approach them with an understanding of odds & probability and the correct blackjack strategy.
The first thing you need to understand about blackjack is that it is a game of independent trials and not dependent ones like roulette or dice games. This means that the outcome of one trial does not influence the probability of a different outcome on subsequent trials, unless you are dealing with a split deck (where there are two of each card).
A dealer’s blackjack is a natural when their up-card is an Ace and any picture card or 10. When this occurs, the player immediately pays the dealer one and a half times their bet and takes back their chips. This is the only time that players can beat the dealer at blackjack.
When to hit is a hard decision in blackjack, especially if the dealer shows an Ace or a 10, and it can be difficult to decide when to risk losing your entire hand. You need to use your knowledge of odds & probability and the correct blackjack strategies to decide whether to hit or stand. A smart player will always choose to hit if the cards are adding up to 17 or lower, as it is impossible to bust at this point.
Another smart move is to double down when you have the best starting hands, such as a pair of 8s or aces. This will allow you to maximise the number of winning hands you have.
Lastly, you should avoid buying insurance. Statistically, it is better to play for more money and win bigger amounts when you do, rather than trying to make up for losses by betting more money.
Lastly, a smart blackjack player will limit their losses and gains by setting an amount they are willing to lose before they start a session. This will keep them in control of their bankroll and stop them from making costly mistakes that can ruin their gaming experience. This is the best way to stay in control of your money and ensure that you are able to finish every session in profit. This is also a great way to avoid getting caught up in chasing after your losses, which can be tempting if you are on a losing streak.